Bigfoot comes up trumps
Call them what you will, but UTV’s, side by sides or ROV’s have certainly found a place in much of New Zealand’s rural sector.
This premium side-by-side offers performance, work capacity and comfort; it differs from other models in the range in having a wide-body chassis and a wheelbase 320mm shorter than its nearest relatives.
This is said to increase manoeuvrability, noticeable in its tight turning radius of only 4.3m.
The chassis embodies the classic Japanese theme of shinari (think ‘elasticity’) in that its frame can bend without braking then return to its original shape -- much like a hunting bow or a fishing rod.
This feature improves performance on difficult terrain, keeping wheels in contact with the ground and giving passengers a comfortable ride.
Power comes from a liquid cooled, 3-cylinder in-line petrol engine (30L fuel tank) delivering 48hp and 65Nm torque, mated to a CVT transmission for stepless speed control and engine braking downhill.
Suspension takes the form of double-wishbones front and rear, with twin-tube shock absorbers dealing with difficult terrain.
Tyres are 27-inch mounted on cast-aluminium wheels, in a set-up with 275mm ground clearance and a 34-degree break-over angle to lessen bottoming-out on ridges or to help in climbing over logs; rider comfort is enhanced and grip is great.
Electrically actuated 2WD/4WD and a rear diff lock are complemented by electric power steering that is speed sensitive, as well as acting as a damper to eliminate bump-steering and backlash, particularly in rough terrain.
A wide, comfortable cabin area has a three-person, contoured bench seat with seatbelts, a tilt/adjustable steering wheel, and many storage options -- glovebox, dashboard pockets and under-seat storage bins, plus the obligatory cup holders.
Also standard are a high output (60A) generator for running lots of accessories, fed via four pre-wired outlets, and two DC power sockets.
Digital instrumentation keeps the driver informed of all key machine functions, quadruple headlamps point the way to go, and the driver is protected by standard doors and a roof overhead.
A robust gas assisted tilt-bed offers 453kg carrying capacity, and a 2-inch receiver for the tow coupling is rated to 907kg.
